Locale of St. Louis Zoo Yellowfoot Tortoises?

Member

It is well known that yellow foot tortoises (Chelonoidis denticulata) get to a medium size in nature compared to most tortoises (averaging 30-45 cm in most locales). However, in almost every corner of the species range there seems to be a tortoise or two that grows to immense proportions. Specimens reaching 70-80 cm are not unheard of both in range and in US captive collections. However, the record for this species size is almost beyond belief. The individual at the St. Louis Zoo that is 94 cm and exactly 200 pounds (90 kg) holds the record for size. While she is the largest individual, the male that lives with her is not far behind at 154 pounds (70 kg).

Where did these two St. Louis Zoo tortoise come from though? There seems to be a general idea that they are Peruvian in origin? What is the basis for that? When one goes to the zoo's main webpage they don't mention how large their tortoises are which I find somewhat odd given that they could potentially be a big attraction!

It would be very interesting to track down the locales of these individuals!

Member

It is quite unusual! The one pictured is the largest ever recorded as of yet...

Specimens reaching 70-80 cm have been found at zoos across the species South American range. I’ve heard of a group that were located in a Peruvian zoo and another group that was in a zoo in Venezuela, but none have been reported larger than the St. Louis Zoo specimen!

Everyone was distracted by a pair of Aldabras mating. My wife and I commented to each other that we didn't even know they got that big although we were unaware that they are record holders. We didn't notice a plaque or any indication that they are record setters. You would think they would make people aware since there is still a statue of Phil, the largest gorilla ever recorded, who passed at the zoo in 1958.

The keeper in charge of their turtles and tortoises is there to chat with the public on World Turtle Day, May 23 each year if that is of interest to anyone.

Member

Everyone was distracted by a pair of Aldabras mating. My wife and I commented to each other that we didn't even know they got that big although we were unaware that they are record holders. We didn't notice a plaque or any indication that they are record setters. You would think they would make people aware since there is still a statue of Phil, the largest gorilla ever recorded, who passed at the zoo in 1958.

The keeper in charge of their turtles and tortoises is there to chat with the public on World Turtle Day, May 23 each year if that is of interest to anyone.

Active Member

It is well known that yellow foot tortoises (Chelonoidis denticulata) get to a medium size in nature compared to most tortoises (averaging 30-45 cm in most locales). However, in almost every corner of the species range there seems to be a tortoise or two that grows to immense proportions. Specimens reaching 70-80 cm are not unheard of both in range and in US captive collections. However, the record for this species size is almost beyond belief. The individual at the St. Louis Zoo that is 94 cm and exactly 200 pounds (90 kg) holds the record for size. While she is the largest individual, the male that lives with her is not far behind at 154 pounds (70 kg).

Where did these two St. Louis Zoo tortoise come from though? There seems to be a general idea that they are Peruvian in origin? What is the basis for that? When one goes to the zoo's main webpage they don't mention how large their tortoises are which I find somewhat odd given that they could potentially be a big attraction!

It would be very interesting to track down the locales of these individuals!

Active Member

So, locale for these animals is unknown (I'm friends with a few of the reptile folks at St. Louis Zoo and was in the enclosure with these animals and one of their keepers in June). These animals are believed to be hermaphroditic. Neither has laid eggs, nor do they have obvious male characteristics. In turtles, hermaphrodism often leads to greater-than-normal size, which adds to the belief they are hermaphroditic.

Active Member

So, locale for these animals is unknown (I'm friends with a few of the reptile folks at St. Louis Zoo and was in the enclosure with these animals and one of their keepers in June). These animals are believed to be hermaphroditic. Neither has laid eggs, nor do they have obvious male characteristics. In turtles, hermaphrodism often leads to greater-than-normal size, which adds to the belief they are hermaphroditic.